Super Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe – Creamy but Light

Looking for a refreshing lemon dessert that’s impressive yet simple? This super-easy lemon mousse recipe takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect light dessert after a heavy meal, and you don’t need any special skills to make it.

Love this super-easy lemon mousse recipe? Watch my quick video below! Like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more easy, creamy, and light dessert recipes just like this one.

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What Makes This Lemon Mousse Special

This lemon mousse stands out because it requires no eggs and no complicated techniques. The secret is using cornstarch to thicken the lemon base, which gives you that perfect mousse consistency without the fuss of tempering eggs or using gelatin that many traditional mousse recipes call for.

I discovered this recipe years ago when I needed a quick dessert for unexpected guests. Since then, it’s become my go-to summer dessert recipe when I want something that feels fancy but takes minimal effort.

Ingredients for Super-Easy Lemon Mousse

For this light and creamy lemon dessert, you’ll need just six simple ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed works best)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup for the cream
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• A tiny pinch of turmeric powder (for color)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

Top Tip: Using fresh lemons gives you the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sweeteners.

Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with basic kitchen tools:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Heat-resistant bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Piping bag (or zip-top plastic bag)
• Serving glasses

Making the Lemon Base

The lemon base provides all the flavor and beautiful color for your mousse. It comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Step 1: Add the lemon juice, 2/3 cup sugar, water, and cornstarch to a saucepan. Whisk everything together until well combined and no lumps remain.

Step 2: Add a tiny pinch of turmeric and mix again. This gives your mousse that gorgeous yellow color without affecting the taste.

Note: Don’t add too much turmeric, or it will affect the flavor. Just a small pinch is all you need.

Step 3: Place the saucepan on the stove and heat over low heat. Keep whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Pour the thickened mixture into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Push the wrap directly onto the surface of the lemon mixture to prevent skin from forming.

Step 5: Place the bowl in the fridge for about 15 minutes until completely cool.

Did You Know? The cornstarch not only thickens the lemon base but also helps stabilize the final mousse, giving it that perfect texture that holds its shape.

Whipping the Cream

While your lemon base cools, you can prepare the whipped cream component that makes this dessert so light and airy.

Step 6: Pour the cold whipping cream into a clean bowl. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.

Step 7: Whip the cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.

Top Tip: Make sure your cream is very cold – I sometimes even chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping. Colder cream whips faster and holds its shape better.

Combining the Lemon Base and Cream

This is where the magic happens – combining the tangy lemon base with the fluffy whipped cream creates that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 8: Take the cooled lemon mixture from the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Give it a quick stir to make sure there are no lumps.

Step 9: Add all the lemon mixture to the whipped cream. Mix with the electric mixer on low speed for just 10-15 seconds to combine everything.

Note: Don’t overmix or you’ll deflate the cream and lose the light texture that makes this mousse special.

Serving Your Lemon Mousse

Presentation makes this simple dessert look even more impressive, and it takes just an extra minute or two.

Step 10: Spoon the mousse into a plastic bag and cut off one corner to create a simple piping bag.

Step 11: Pipe the mousse into serving glasses, filling them about three-quarters full.

Top Tip: If you want to make this ahead, the mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cover the glasses with plastic wrap.

Related Recipe: If you enjoyed this refreshing lemon mousse, be sure to check out my creamy coffee cake recipe too – it’s just as easy to make.

Delicious Topping Ideas

This lemon mousse is perfect on its own, but adding toppings can make it even more special. Here are some simple ideas:

• Fresh berries (raspberries and blueberries work especially well)
• Whipped cream
• Lemon zest
• Mint leaves
• Crushed graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies
• A drizzle of raspberry sauce

I like to set out a few different toppings and let everyone customize their own dessert.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a simple recipe, little things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:

• If your lemon base has lumps: Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before cooling.
• If your mousse isn’t firm enough: Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.
• If your whipped cream won’t stiffen: Make sure you’re using heavy whipping cream with at least 35% fat content. Low-fat creams simply won’t whip properly. Also, your cream might be too warm. Put everything (cream, bowl, and beaters) in the freezer for 10 minutes, then try again.

Perfect Occasions for Lemon Mousse

This super-easy lemon mousse recipe is versatile enough for many occasions:

• Summer dinner parties
• Light ending to a heavy meal
• Make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights
• Brunch gatherings
• Baby or wedding showers (looks great in small, elegant glasses)

More Light Dessert Ideas

If you enjoyed this light lemon dessert, you might also like these other refreshing options:

• The Creamiest No-Bake Lemon Pie with Just 4 Ingredients!– A tangy, velvety lemon pie that sets up beautifully without ever turning on the oven.
• Just mix 2 ingredients with condensed milk for the best ice cream ever!– This no-churn ice cream is unbelievably creamy and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
• Super Easy Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe -A timeless treat with a rich vanilla flavor that’s perfect on its own or paired with pie.

Let me know if you try this super-easy lemon mousse recipe! I love hearing how your desserts turn out and any creative variations you might come up with. Did you add any special toppings? Did you serve it for a particular occasion?

Share your experience in the comments below or in the comments of my YouTube video!